The Underrated Gemstone we can’t stop thinking about

In the world of fine jewellery, certain gemstones dominate like diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies tend to take centre stage.

But every now and then, a lesser-known gem steps into the light and quietly captures our attention. Chrysoberyl is one of those rare finds: subtle, striking, and full of depth for those in the know.

With soft golden-green tones and a delicate brilliance, chrysoberyl feels made for warm weather, golden hour and makes us think of Autumn.

What is Chrysoberyl?

Despite its name, chrysoberyl isn’t part of the beryl family (which includes emeralds and aquamarine). It’s actually its own unique mineral, known for its hardness. Chrysoberyl is the third-hardest natural gemstone (8.5 on the Mohs scale, just under sapphires and diamonds) with beautiful light-catching properties. Its colour usually ranges from yellow to greenish yellow, sometimes with a honeyed glow that feels incredibly warm and earthy.

The shades of Chrysoberyl

Is Chrysoberyl used in Jewellery?

Yes, but rarely. Chrysoberyl is actually very well-suited for jewellery. Its durability makes it perfect for rings, earrings, and everyday wear. But its quiet beauty, combined with relatively limited supply, means it hasn’t made its way into mainstream collections in the same way as more commercial stones.

Vintage Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl & Diamond ring (Picture: Doyle & Doyle)

You’re more likely to find chrysoberyl in antique jewellery, particularly in Victorian-era rings and brooches, where its warm tones and durability made it a popular choice. It also appears in collector’s pieces and bespoke creations which are favoured for its rarity and unique charm.

You might also notice that, high-end vintage inspired designs occasionally feature chrysoberyl as a nod to classic elegance, and more recently, it’s starting to make quiet appearances in modern fine jewellery collections.

Why do we love Chrysoberyl?

There’s something refreshingly understated about chrysoberyl. It doesn’t scream for attention, it glows. It’s soft yet strong, classic yet a little bit mysterious.

And with current trends shifting toward personal expression and quiet luxury, chrysoberyl is having a quiet moment of resurgence. It pairs beautifully with yellow and rose gold, and works well as both a centrepiece or an accent stone.

For those who like to wear something a little different, chrysoberyl is the gemstone equivalent of a well-tailored piece you won’t see on everyone else, but always gets compliments.

The diversity in shape, colour & size of Chrysoberyl

Guillaume is a trained gemmologist and is very passionate about sourcing high-quality, ethically sourced gemstones. So if you’re looking to design your next fine jewellery piece, we’d love to help you explore something truly special.

Feel free to reach out via email at info@stapyltonsmith.com if you’re curious to know more, if you’d like to view available stones or chat about a custom design. We're always happy to help!